Page 42 of Caleb

And now, he had a son.

A son he hadn’t known about, but one he already felt an undeniable connection to. A son he wanted to know, to understand, to be there for in a way his father never had been.

But where did they even begin? How did they pick up the pieces and figure out how to move forward from here?

Taylor’s gaze softened just a fraction, and she nodded, opening the door wider. “He’s in the living room. Come on in.”

Caleb stepped inside, his boots scuffing lightly against the hardwood floor. The house smelled faintly of lavender and something sweet—cookies, maybe. It was cozy, warm, and felt nothing like the cold, cavernous ranch house he’d grown up in.

Liam sat cross-legged on the rug, surrounded by a pile of building blocks. His face lit up when he saw Caleb.

“Caleb!” Liam scrambled to his feet, his curls bouncing as he ran over.

As he gazed at the little boy, an overwhelming rush of love filled him. A bittersweet ache settled in as he shook his head. How had he missed it? How had he not realized this bright, lively child was his flesh and blood?

“Hey, buddy,” Caleb said, crouching to meet him. “I brought you something.”

Liam’s eyes went wide as Caleb handed him the first package. He tore into it with the enthusiasm only a child could muster, gasping when the stuffed dinosaur appeared.

“Wow!” Liam exclaimed, hugging the dinosaur tightly. “A T-Rex! He’s my favorite!”

Caleb grinned at the boy’s excitement. “I thought you might like him. And I’ve got one more thing.”

He handed Liam the second package, and the boy’s eyes grew wider as he unwrapped the shiny red truck.

“Whoa!” Liam said, rolling the truck along the floor immediately. “This is so cool! Mommy, look.”

“What do you say, Liam,” Taylor said, gazing at the boy.

“Thank you, Caleb.”

Caleb chuckled, glancing up at Taylor, who stood nearby with her arms crossed. She wasn’t smiling, but her expression was softer than he’d expected.

Liam suddenly looked up, his brow furrowing. “Why were you arguing with Mommy yesterday?”

Caleb froze, the question hitting him like a punch. Caleb watched the boy fiercely defending his mother, standing his ground with a determination far beyond his years. It struck a chord deep within him, echoing memories he’d long tried to bury.

Hadn’t he done the same for his own mother? How often had he stepped in to shield her from his father’s cutting words or icy indifference? Seeing Liam now was like looking into a mirror he hadn’t realized existed.

His throat tightened, and his gaze darted to Taylor, who stepped in quickly.

“Liam,” Taylor said gently, kneeling beside him. “Sometimes grown-ups don’t always agree on things, but it’s okay. Caleb and I talked, and we worked it out. We’re friends again.”

“Really?” Liam looked between them, his small face serious.

“Really,” Taylor said, smiling as she ruffled his curls.

“Good, because I like you, Caleb,” he said.

Caleb swallowed hard, guilt twisting inside him. He hadn’t even realized Liam might’ve overheard their argument, let alone been affected by it. Already, he was making mistakes, letting his temper and his emotions get the better of him.

Just like his father.

His hands tightened into fists at his sides as the fear clawed at him again. What if he wasn’t cut out for this? What if he hurt Liam the way his father had hurt him?

“Caleb?” Taylor’s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts.

He looked up, startled, to find her watching him with concern. She tilted her head toward the kitchen. “Can we talk for a minute?”

---